The prosecution team handling the case of Ian Njoroge, a teenager filmed assaulting a police officer in Mirema, has opposed his release on bail pending the hearing.
Principal Prosecution Counsel Victor Owiti, James Gachoka, and Virginia Kariuki presented their arguments before Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi, citing compelling reasons to deny Njoroge bail.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) emphasized the need for deterrence in its opposition to bail, arguing that the continued detention of the accused is in the interest of justice.
“The prosecution further explained to the court that the denial of bail will send a warning to the public about the consequences of assaulting police officers and public servants in the line of duty,” ODPP stated.
The prosecution team highlighted that Njoroge had repeatedly assaulted 57-year-old police officer Jacob Ogendo in public.
Njoroge was presented in court on two counts related to traffic and criminal offences. The ODPP also cited concerns about the risk of witness tampering and potential interference with evidence, especially given social media reports suggesting that the complainant had agreed to drop the charges.
“The prosecution added that based on the video of the accused fleeing the scene of the alleged crime, which has since gone viral on social media, and the fact that he went into hiding when authorities commenced a manhunt for him indicates he is a flight risk if granted temporary freedom,” the ODPP added.
The court is set to rule on the bail application on Friday, June 7, after considering a pre-bail report.
Njoroge was presented in court on Tuesday, accused of resisting arrest and causing grievous harm to the police officer. He denied the charges, including allegations of stealing a police communication device and a smartphone. Njoroge’s lawyers argued that he had been tortured by police and required urgent medical attention.
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